HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of DA's operations and will lead the day‑to‑day execution of all consulting engagements and recuriting operations, to ensure that propsals are delivered on time and contracts are developed and executed within budget, on time and to the highest quality standards. This role blends deep aviation industry expertise with strong operational leadership, driving efficiency across service delivery, resource planning, client management, and internal processes. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who can translate complex aviation challenges into actionable solutions while fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture.

Key Job Metrics:

Strategic Operations Management

• Define and implement operational strategies aligned with the firm’s growth objectives
• Develop and continuously improve SOPs, workflows, and KPI frameworks for consulting engagements.
• Oversee capacity planning, staffing models, and project pipelines to maximize utilization.

Project Delivery & Quality Assurance

• Supervise project managers and senior consultants to ensure milestones, deliverables, and client expectations are met.
• Implement rigorous QA/QC processes, conduct periodic audits, and drive corrective actions.
• Manage risk registers for each engagement and coordinate mitigation plans.

Client Relationship & Business Development Support

• Partner with the Sales & Business Development team to scope new opportunities, develop proposals, and transition won work into execution
• Serve as an escalation point for high‑impact client issues, ensuring swift resolution and sustained satisfaction.
• Contribute thought‑leadership content (whitepapers, webinars) to strengthen market positioning.

Financial & Resource Management

• Own the operational budget, monitor P&L performance, and drive profitability through cost‑control initiatives.
• Lead resource allocation, forecasting, and talent acquisition in collaboration with HR.
• Track billable hours, utilization rates, and margin metrics; report insights to executive leadership.

Technology & Process Innovation

• Champion adoption of aviation‑specific tools (e.g., flight data analytics, regulatory compliance platforms) and enterprise systems (CRM, ERP, PM, QMS software).
• Identify automation opportunities to streamline repetitive tasks and improve data integrity.
• Stay abreast of emerging aviation trends (e.g., sustainability, technological developments, unmanned aircraft systems, etc.) and embed relevant capabilities into service offerings.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary operations team (project managers, analysts, support staff).
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and safety‑first mindset.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, set development goals, and recognize high achievers

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. MBA or Master’s preferred. Or 20 years of verifiable industry experience perfomring at the director level or higher, in lieu of educational requirements.

Industry Experience

• Minimum 10 years in aviation consulting, airline operations, MRO, or related sectors; at least 5 years in a senior operational leadership role.

Leadership

• Proven track record of managing cross‑functional teams of 20+ professionals and delivering large‑scale consulting projects (>$10 M contract values).

Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of airline operations, regulatory environments (FAA/EASA), fleet planning, airport logistics, and emerging aviation technologies.

Financial Acumen

• Experience managing P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and driving profitability.

Process Excellence

• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies; ability to design and enforce robust SOPs.

Communication Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to C‑suite executives and regulators.

Software Proficiency

• Familiarity with project management tools (MS Project, Asana, Monday.com), CRM/ERP systems, and aviation data platforms (e.g., OAG, Sabre, FlightAware).

Licenses (required)

• Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Ratings

Certifications (optional but valued)

• PMP
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
• ICAO Safety Management System (SMS) certification

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking & vision execution
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• High emotional intelligence and stakeholder management
• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, matrixed environments
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and ethical standards

What We Offer:

• Participation in Employee Stock Options Pool (ESOP) for equity share in the company
• Professional development budget and support for certifications
• Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative, inclusive culture
• Opportunity to shape the future of aviation consulting and recruiting for industry players